A Design Algorithm for Electroaerodynamic Propulsion System

Electroaerodynamic (EAD) propulsion has gained considerable attention in aerospace research due to its ability to generate thrust even in rarefied atmospheres at high altitudes. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the performance and optimization of a decoupled EAD propulsion system, emphasizing its potential advantages over conventional propulsion technologies. A hybrid genetic algorithm–sequential quadratic programming (GA-SQP) approach was employed to optimize the system across various thrust levels. The optimized results were compared with traditional electric motors, offering insights into key trade-offs between the two systems. Findings indicate that while the EAD propulsion system operates at higher voltages than electric motors—resulting in increased power consumption—it provides a distinct advantage in terms of weight. As thrust levels rise, the system's mass exhibits only a marginal increase. For thrust levels between 10 and 70 N, the maximum mass increment is limited to 333 g, making EAD propulsion particularly suitable for applications requiring high thrust-to-weight efficiency. Sensitivity analysis further reveals that increasing system volume enhances thrust without proportionally increasing power consumption, albeit at the cost of additional mass. Additionally, increasing the voltage across the system’s electrodes improves thrust and power consumption without affecting mass. Although higher power consumption necessitates larger energy storage and conversion systems, the minimal mass increase relative to thrust highlights the EAD propulsion system as a promising alternative for high-altitude and space applications where weight constraints are critical